Motion Sicknessaccording to TCM

What is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness is a common disturbance of the inner ear that is caused by repeated motion such as the waves of the sea, the movement of a car, or the turbulence in an airplane. The condition is characterized by symptoms including dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. It occurs when the brain receives conflicting messages from the inner ears, eyes, and nerves in the extremities, and can significantly affect comfort and the ability to perform tasks.

How does TCM view Motion Sickness?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the concept of 'pattern' is a cornerstone of diagnosis and treatment. A pattern is a complex of symptoms and signs that reflect a specific underlying imbalance in the body’s energy or organ systems. Understanding the pattern is crucial because TCM treatments are tailored to correct the specific imbalances identified in each individual.

Motion sickness, therefore, is seen as a manifestation of a disturbance in the body's energetic harmony. The precision in identifying the pattern allows practitioners to select the most appropriate herbs and acupuncture points to restore balance, prevent recurrence, and treat the individual holistically rather than just addressing the symptoms.

Causes of Motion Sickness According to TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, motion sickness is often associated with two primary patterns of disharmony: Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing or Phlegm. Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing is a condition where the body's vital Fire, responsible for warming and energizing bodily functions, is weakened. This can lead to an accumulation of fluids, manifesting as symptoms akin to motion sickness.

On the other hand, the presence of Phlegm, which is considered a pathological product of the body that can obstruct the proper flow of Qi and blood, can lead to the disorientation and nausea experienced during motion sickness. TCM seeks to restore balance through specific therapies aimed at strengthening the Yang and dispelling Phlegm.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Motion Sickness

To address motion sickness through the lens of TCM, formulas such as Wu Ling San can be particularly effective. This formula, with Water Plantain as a key ingredient, is adept at promoting urination and draining Dampness, addressing the imbalance of Kidney Yang Deficiency. It targets the excess of water that can overwhelm the body's systems.

Additionally, herbs that are known to resolve Phlegm, such as Crow-Dipper Rhizomes found in the Xiao Ban Xia Tang formula, are utilized to clear the obstruction and restore the clear Yang, helping to alleviate the sense of nausea and disorientation. These formulas are selected with a nuanced understanding of the patterns at play and are aimed at rectifying the specific TCM diagnosis.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address motion sickness, organized by formula type.

TCM Herbs for Motion Sickness

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address motion sickness, organized by herb category.